Capacitor constructions with a barrier layer to threshold voltage shift inducing material

ABSTRACT

A capacitor forming method can include forming an insulation layer over a substrate and forming a barrier layer to threshold voltage shift inducing material over the substrate. An opening can be formed at least into the insulation layer and a capacitor dielectric layer formed at least within the opening. Threshold voltage inducing material can be provided over the barrier layer but be retarded in movement into an electronic device comprised by the substrate. The dielectric layer can comprise a tantalum oxide and the barrier layer can include a silicon nitride. Providing threshold voltage shift inducing material can include oxide annealing dielectric layer such as with N 2 O. The barrier layer can be formed over the insulation layer, the insulation layer can be formed over the barrier layer, or the barrier layer can be formed over a first insulation layer with a second insulation layer formed over the barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer can be formed after forming the capacitor electrode or after forming the dielectric layer, for example, by using poor step coverage deposition methods.

RELATED PATENT DATA

This patent resulted from a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/879,335, filed on Jun. 11, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,371, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,546, filed on Nov. 8, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,183 entitled “Semiconductor Processing Method” and naming Kunal R. Parekh and Randhir P. S. Thakur as inventors, which application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 08/994,054, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,833, filed on Dec. 19, 1997, each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The aspects of the invention relate to capacitor forming methods including forming barrier layers to threshold voltage shift inducing material and capacitor constructions having such barrier layers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Capacitors are common devices used in electronics, such as integrated circuits, and particularly semiconductor-based technologies. One factor to consider when selecting materials and/or structure for a capacitor may be the capacitance per unit area. A high K factor (also known as relative dielectric constant or “κ”) dielectric material may assist in enhancing capacitance. In the context of this document, “high K factor” is defined as a K factor higher than that of typical DRAM oxynitride dielectric or at least about 7. Ta₂O₅ can be one example of a high K factor dielectric, but is known to degrade performance of electronic devices when used in a capacitor. One example of impacted electronic devices includes a transistor. A shift in threshold voltage (V_(t)) may occur as well as changes in drift current (I_(DS)) device transconductance parameter for a load transistor (K_(L)), and other device characteristics.

Even though high K dielectrics are desirable in capacitors, V_(t) shift and other effects on device characteristics can be unacceptable in particular applications. Accordingly, methods of using high K dielectrics without substantially degrading device characteristics are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device. A barrier layer to threshold voltage (V_(t)) shift inducing material can be formed over the substrate and an opening can be formed in the insulation layer. A high K capacitor dielectric layer may be formed within the opening and V_(t) shift inducing material provided over the barrier layer. The barrier layer can retard movement of the V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device. As an example, the barrier layer can include a silicon nitride. The opening can be formed completely through the insulation layer. Also, a congruent opening can be formed through the barrier layer. For example, the dielectric layer can include a tantalum oxide. The providing V_(t) shift inducing material can include oxide annealing with N₂O.

In another aspect of the invention, the barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material can be formed over the insulation layer and the opening can be formed through the barrier layer and into the insulation layer. In yet another aspect of the invention, the barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material can be formed over the substrate and the insulation layer formed over the barrier layer. The opening can be formed into at least the insulation layer. In a further aspect of the invention, a first insulation layer may be formed over the substrate, the barrier layer may be formed over the first insulation layer, and a second insulation layer may be formed over the barrier layer. The opening can be formed into at least the second insulation layer.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device. An opening having a sidewall can be formed into the insulation layer and a capacitor electrode formed at least within the opening and over the sidewall. After forming the capacitor electrode, a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material can be formed at least over the insulation layer. A high K capacitor dielectric layer can be formed over the capacitor electrode after forming the barrier layer. V_(t) shift inducing material can be provided over the barrier layer which retards movement of the V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device. Forming the barrier layer can include chemical vapor depositing at a step coverage of less than about 25%. For example, the barrier layer can have a thickness over the sidewall from about 0 to about 300 Angstroms. In another aspect of the invention, the barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material may instead be formed after forming a high K dielectric layer at least over the capacitor electrode.

In a further aspect of the invention, a capacitor construction includes an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device. A Si₃N₄ barrier layer can be over the substrate, retarding movement of V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device. An opening can be at least into the insulation layer and an inner capacitor electrode comprising silicon can be at least within the opening. A high K capacitor dielectric layer can be at least within the opening and over the inner capacitor electrode. An outer capacitor electrode can be over the dielectric layer. In a further aspect, the invention provides a semiconductor die including a capacitor construction described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged diagrammatic section view of a semiconductor wafer fragment at one processing step in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the FIG. 1 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of the FIG. 2 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view of the FIG. 3 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view of the FIG. 4 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of a semiconductor wafer fragment at one processing step in accordance with an alternative aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of the FIG. 6 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view of the FIG. 7 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view of the FIG. 8 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of the FIG. 2 semiconductor wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 2 in accordance with another alternative aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of the FIG. 10 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of the FIG. 2 semiconductor wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 2 in accordance with yet another alternative aspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a view of the FIG. 12 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of the FIG. 2 semiconductor wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 2 in accordance with a further alternative aspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a view of the FIG. 14 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a view of the FIG. 15 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of the FIG. 2 semiconductor wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 2 in accordance with a still further alternative aspect of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a view of the FIG. 17 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a view of the FIG. 18 wafer fragment at a processing step subsequent to that depicted by FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

In the context of this document, the term “semiconductor substrate” or “semiconductive substrate” is defined to mean any construction comprising semiconductive material, including, but not limited to, bulk semiconductive materials such as a semiconductive wafer (either alone or in assemblies comprising other materials thereon) and semiconductive material layers (either alone or in assemblies comprising other materials). The term “substrate” refers to any supporting structure, including, but not limited to, the semiconductive substrates described above.

A variety of contexts arise wherein methods of forming capacitors or other processing methods produce changes in the performance of electronic devices. One example of an electronic device is a transistor. Observation indicates that use of a high K dielectric material in a capacitor forming part of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) can produce a shift in threshold voltage (V_(t)) of associated transistors. Little is known regarding the specific causes of V_(t) shift or chemical species that contribute to V_(t) shift. However, observation and trial has produced an indication that barrier layers can be effective in controlling V_(t) shift.

One possible explanation for the success of barrier layers can be exemplified by reference to use of Ta₂O₅ as a capacitor dielectric. Nevertheless, the various aspects of the invention described herein are considered applicable to use of other high K dielectric materials, and other types of semiconductor processes. Examples of suitable capacitor dielectrics include Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO₄, ZrO₂, ZrSiO₄, and combinations thereof with or without Ta₂O₅. As a capacitor dielectric, Ta₂O₅ can potentially exhibit a K factor of at least about 10, for example, as high as 40. However, achieving the theoretical K factor for Ta₂O₅ is commonly performed by post-deposition oxide annealing. Such oxide annealing can also be performed as a crystallization anneal to transform Ta₂O₅ from an as-deposited amorphous material. Observation indicates that N₂O performs well as an oxidizing species. Oxide annealing is believed to fill oxygen vacancies in as-deposited Ta₂O₅. Experience and trial indicate that N₂O appears to work best among a variety of possible oxidizers, and even among other nitrogen-containing oxides. One possible reason, although not verified, is that N₂O is believed to produce active oxygen species, one example being NO—.

While active oxygen species provide benefits in oxide annealing, such materials might also induce a V_(t) shift. Commonly used insulation materials over electronic devices are often amorphous and can thus be porous to V_(t) shift inducing materials, for example, active oxygen species and particularly NO—. Diffusion of impurities and other materials, for example, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, etc., are also suspects in inducing V_(t) shift. V_(t) shift inducing materials can potentially exist in deposited layers rather than as precursor or processing components as in the case of annealing with nitrogen-containing oxides. Nevertheless, the various aspects of the present invention described herein provide protection from V_(t) shift inducing materials by using barrier layers between electronic devices and a potential source of V_(t) shift inducing materials. The various aspects of the invention can also prevent changes in other transistor characteristics, such as drift current (I_(DS)), device transconductance parameter for a load transistor (K_(L)), etc.

In one aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate and forming a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material over the substrate. The substrate can include an electronic device. An opening can be formed at least into the insulation layer and a high K capacitor dielectric layer formed at least within the opening. V_(t) shift inducing material can be provided over the barrier layer. However, the barrier layer retards movement of the V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device.

The capacitor forming method can be conducted in a variety of ways. For example, the opening can be formed completely through the insulation layer. Also, forming an opening can further include forming a congruent opening through the barrier layer. The barrier layer opening and insulation layer opening can be formed as part of a single etch process or separately. The method can further include forming a capacitor electrode at least within the opening before forming the dielectric layer. Alternatively, the capacitor electrode can be comprised by the underlying substrate. Preferably, the dielectric layer exhibits a K factor of at least about 10. Preferably, the dielectric layer includes a tantalum oxide.

Providing a V_(t) shift inducing material can also occur in a variety of ways. Providing at least one impurity comprising layer over the barrier layer is one possibility. Another possibility is annealing the dielectric layer. As previously discussed annealing can include oxide annealing. Preferably, annealing includes heating the dielectric to at least about 600° C. in the presence of a nitrogen-containing oxide provided at a partial pressure of at least about 200 milliTorr. More preferably, annealing includes heating to at least about 700° C. at a partial pressure of at least about 400 milliTorr.

A variety of barrier layers having a variety of properties and placed in a variety of positions can accomplish the purposes of the present aspects of the invention. For example, the barrier layer can be formed over the insulation layer, as well as in other positions described below. Such barrier layer can consist essentially of a globally planar barrier layer. That is, the barrier layer can exist essentially in one plane over a particular substrate, semiconductor die, or bulk semiconductor wafer. Understandably, deviations less than the thickness of the barrier layer from perfect planarity can occur while still considering the barrier layer as consisting essentially of a globally planar barrier layer.

Preferably, barrier layers act as a barrier to active oxygen species, such as oxygen radicals, oxygen, etc. as well as other V_(t) shift inducing materials. Barrier layer thickness can vary from about 30 Angstroms to about 800 Angstroms, but preferably from about 50 to about 300 Angstroms. A silicon nitride, such as Si₃N₄, can form a suitable barrier layer. Other suitable materials can include a silicon oxynitride, an aluminum oxide, etc. The silicon-containing nitrides are typically considered most suitable, however, aluminum-containing oxides are generally the next most suitable compared to other oxides. A non-conductive barrier layer can be typically preferred, however, a conductive barrier layer might be suitable if in a position so as not to substantially interfere with the function of electronic devices. For example, a conductive barrier layer formed on a conductive component might not effect the operation of such conductive component. Regardless of the position or component materials, barrier layers are advantageously as thin as possible while still providing effective reduction of V_(t) shift and other forms of electronic device degradation.

A Si₃N₄ barrier layer deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition can be about 60 Angstroms. If deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition, the barrier layer might need more thickness to achieve equal effectiveness since Si₃N₄ formed by such method can be less dense than when formed by a plasma enhanced method. Other chemical vapor deposition methods, atomic layer deposition methods and other methods known to those skilled in the art or yet to be developed can be suitable for forming a barrier layer according to the aspects of the invention herein.

Consideration should be given to possible impacts that barrier layers of the present invention may have on other parts of semiconductor processing. Often, alloying processes are used to diffuse hydrogen or other materials through insulation material as a near-final process to occupy dangling bonds in gate oxide and also to prevent V_(t) shift. Possibly, a barrier layer according to an aspect of the present invention could frustrate alloying in the conventional manner. Accordingly, backside alloying through an opposite side of a bulk semiconductor wafer can be performed in the alternative according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Turning to FIG. 1, a wafer construction 26 is shown at a preliminary process step including a semiconductor substrate 2 having wordlines 4 formed thereon. Spacers 6 are formed on sidewalls of wordlines 4. Diffusion regions 12 are formed in semiconductor substrate 2 and insulation layer 24 is formed over wordlines 4, spacer 6, diffusion regions 12, and semiconductor substrate 2. Wafer construction 26 can be further processed as shown in FIG. 2 by forming an opening through insulation layer 24 to one of diffusion regions 12 and forming contact 28 in the opening. Contact 28 can include a doped polysilicon plug, as well as other materials and structures. Wafer construction 26 can be further processed as shown in FIG. 3 by forming insulation layer 30 on the structure shown in FIG. 2 and forming a V_(t) shift barrier layer 14 a on insulation layer 30.

FIG. 4 shows forming an opening 32 completely through barrier layer 14 a and insulation layer 30 to contact 28 and insulation layer 24. Further processing can produce wafer construction 26 as shown in FIG. 5 by forming an electrode 34 in opening 32, forming a dielectric layer 36 on electrode 34 and forming an electrode 38 on dielectric layer 36. As seen from FIG. 5, barrier layer 14 a can reduce movement of V_(t) shift inducing material from over barrier layer 14 a into wordlines 4, diffusion regions 12, and semiconductor substrate 2. Because opening 32 is formed through barrier layer 14 a, V_(t) shift inducing materials could potentially pass under barrier layer 14 a through opening 32. However, the materials forming electrodes 34, 38 and dielectric layer 36, as well as other alternative capacitor structures not shown, can also retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing material. As an example, electrode 34 can be formed from polysilicon, such as rough polysilicon, which will react with active oxygen species to form silicon oxides. Accordingly, diffusion of active oxygen species provided during oxygen annealing of dielectric layer 36 can be reduced with electrode 34. A variety of methods known to those skilled in the art or yet to be developed can be used to prevent oxidation of electrode 34 by oxygen potentially contained in dielectric layer 36. One example is rapid thermal nitridation of a polysilicon electrode to form a silicon nitride layer prior to formation of a dielectric layer. Whether or not such methods are used, the combination of barrier layer 14 a and other materials forming part of the capacitor stack, including, but not limited to, electrodes 34, 38 and dielectric 36 can retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing materials.

According to an aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device. A barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material can be formed over the insulation layer. An opening can be formed through the barrier layer and into the insulation layer. A high K capacitor dielectric layer can be formed at least within the opening. The barrier layer may retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing material provided over the barrier layer. FIGS. 1–5 provide one example of a barrier layer formed over an insulation layer. The opening in FIG. 4 is formed completely through the insulation layer. The dielectric layer of FIG. 5 is formed within the opening as well as partially outside the opening and elevationally above the insulation layer.

Turning to FIG. 6, a wafer construction 10 at a preliminary process step is shown having an insulation layer 8 formed over wordlines 4, spacers 6, diffusion regions 12, and semiconductor substrate 2 at a greater insulation layer thickness than shown in FIG. 1. However, a similar method to that discussed above regarding FIGS. 1–5 can be used to process wafer construction 10. In FIG. 7, V_(t) shift barrier layer 14 b is formed over insulation layer 8. In FIG. 8, an opening 16 is formed through barrier layer 14 b and insulation layer 8 to expose diffusion region 12. Opening 16 is formed completely through insulation layer 8. In FIG. 9, an electrode 18 is formed in opening 16, a dielectric layer 20 is formed on electrode 18, and an electrode 22 is formed on dielectric layer 20.

Comparing wafer construction 10 of FIG. 9 to wafer construction 26 of FIG. 5, insulation layer 8 is seen as continuous from diffusion region 12 to barrier layer 14 b and no contact 28 is used to electrically link the capacitor stack to diffusion region 12. Otherwise, barrier layer 14 b is positioned in a similar fashion to that shown for barrier layer 14 a. In the remaining FIGS. 10–19, an insulation layer structure and capacitor structure analogous to that shown in FIG. 5 is repeated. However, it is conceivable that the alternative insulation layer and capacitor structure of FIG. 9 may be used in the alternative in performing the methods exemplified by FIGS. 10–19.

It can be advantageous to form a V_(t) shift barrier layer over an insulation layer, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, since the underlying insulation layer can be easily planarized by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) or another suitable method. Thus, the barrier layer can be formed as a globally planar barrier layer. Formation of a barrier layer of uniform thickness can occur more readily on a planar substrate compared to a nonplanar substrate. Further, formation of a barrier layer of uniform thickness can occur more readily on a substrate of a uniform composition compared to a substrate of varying composition. Accordingly, barrier layers 14 a and 14 b can be formed at substantially uniform thicknesses as exemplified by FIGS. 3 and 7. The effectiveness of a barrier layer depends in part on its thickness. Accordingly, a uniform thickness can be desirable.

Consideration should be given that barrier layers 14 a, 14 b may be exposed to CMP as a polish stop layer during removal of excess material used to form electrode 34 of FIG. 5 and to form electrode 18 of FIG. 9. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide barrier layers 14 a, 14 b as deposited at a somewhat greater thickness than desired to account for some loss during CMP of other material.

In another aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material over a substrate. An insulation layer can be formed over the barrier layer and an opening can be formed into at least the insulation layer. A high K capacitor dielectric layer can be formed at least within the opening and V_(t) shift inducing material provided over the barrier layer. The barrier layer retards movement of the V_(t) shift inducing materials into an electronic device comprised by the substrate.

Turning to FIG. 10, a wafer construction 40 is shown including wafer construction 26 of FIG. 2 except that a V_(t) shift barrier layer 14 c is formed over insulation layer 24 and an insulation layer 42 is formed over barrier layer 14 c. Notably, although not shown, barrier layer 14 c could be formed directly on wordlines 4, spacers 6, and diffusion regions 12 with insulation layer 42 formed on barrier layer 14 c, thus eliminating insulation layer 24. FIG. 11 shows wafer construction 40 after forming an opening completely through insulation layer 42 and barrier layer 14 c exposing contact 28. An electrode 44, a dielectric layer 46, and an electrode 48 are then formed at least within such opening as shown in FIG. 11.

In a further aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming a first insulation layer over a substrate, forming a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing materials over the first insulation layer, and forming a second insulation layer over the barrier layer. An opening can be formed into at least the second insulation layer and a high K capacitor dielectric layer formed at least within the opening. V_(t) shift inducing material provided over the barrier layer can be thus retarded in movement into an electronic device comprised by the substrate.

FIG. 12 shows a wafer construction 50 including wafer construction 26 shown in FIG. 2 except that a lower insulation layer 52, a V_(t) shift barrier layer 14 d, and an upper insulation layer 53 are formed over insulation layer 24 as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows wafer construction 50 after formation of an opening completely through upper insulation layer 53, barrier layer 14 d, and lower insulation layer 52 to expose contact 28. An electrode 54, a dielectric layer 56, and an electrode 58 are shown formed at least within such opening. Notably, lower insulation layer 52 could be formed directly on wordlines 4, spacers 6, and diffusion regions 12 such that separate insulation layer 24 is eliminated.

One potential advantage of wafer construction 50 and wafer construction 40 is that respective barrier layers 14 d and 14 c would not be exposed to CMP of materials used to form capacitor structures. Accordingly, consideration need not be given to forming barrier layers 14 c, 14 d at a greater thickness than desired to account for CMP losses.

In a further aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate and forming an opening into the insulation layer, the opening having a sidewall. A capacitor electrode may be formed at least within the opening and over the sidewall followed by forming a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material at least over the insulation layer. After forming the barrier layer, a high K capacitor dielectric layer can be formed at least over the capacitor electrode and V_(t) shift inducing material can be provided over the barrier layer. The barrier layer retards movement of the V_(t) shift inducing material into an electronic device comprised by the substrate. Because the electrode can be already formed in the above described method, it might be desirable to form the barrier layer over the insulation layer while avoiding formation of the barrier layer over the capacitor electrode or removing the barrier layer from the capacitor electrode when formed thereon. To avoid a need for etch removal of the barrier from over the capacitor electrode, a deposition method with intentionally poor step coverage can be used in forming the barrier layer. As an example, the forming the barrier layer can include chemical vapor depositing (CVD) at a step coverage of less than about 25%. Preferably, step coverage is less than about 10%. Also, the barrier layer can have a thickness over the sidewall from about 0 to about 300 Angstroms.

In FIG. 14, wafer construction 60 includes wafer construction 26 shown in FIG. 2 except that an insulation layer 62 is formed on insulation layer 24, an opening is formed completely through insulation layer 62, and a capacitor electrode 64 is formed entirely within the opening. In FIG. 15, a barrier layer 14 e is formed over insulation layer 62 as well as over parts of electrode 64. Such a structure can result from a deposition process wherein step coverage is intentionally poor. Accordingly, little or no barrier layer forms over the sidewalls of electrode 64. Depending on the processing conditions and the aspect ratio of capacitor electrode 64, little or no barrier layer 14 e may form at the bottom of the electrode 64. For high aspect ratio openings, step coverage can be poor enough that essentially barrier layer 14 e forms at the bottom of electrode 64. At lower aspect ratios, it is more likely that a small amount of barrier layer 14 e might form at the bottom as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 shows a dielectric layer 66 and an electrode 68 formed over electrode 64 as well as over part of insulation layer 62 and barrier layer 14 e. Depending on the material selected for barrier layer 14 e, the portion of barrier layer 14 e formed at the bottom of electrode 64 can produce area loss in the resulting capacitor. However, the area loss can be small, depending on the step coverage. Also, such area loss may be acceptable given the improvement in reducing V_(t) shift inducing material, I_(DS) shift, K_(L) shift, etc. As indicated, barrier layer 14 e is formed after electrode 64 but before dielectric 66. Accordingly barrier layer 14 e can retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing materials present during annealing of dielectric layer 66 as well as impurities in material formed over barrier layer 14 e.

In a still further aspect of the invention, a capacitor forming method includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate and forming an opening in the insulation layer, the opening having a sidewall. A capacitor electrode can be formed at least within the opening and over the sidewall and a high K capacitor dielectric layer can be formed at least over the capacitor electrode. After forming the dielectric layer, a barrier layer to V_(t) shift inducing material can be formed over the insulation layer and retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing material provided over the barrier layer. As described above, step coverage can be less than about 25% and the barrier layer thickness over the sidewall can be from about 0 to about 300 Angstroms. Also, the barrier layer can be formed before annealing the dielectric layer even though the barrier layer can be formed after forming the capacitor dielectric layer. In this manner, the barrier layer can retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing material provided during annealing. The barrier layer can be formed after annealing, but might be less advantageous.

In FIG. 17, wafer construction 70 includes wafer construction 26 shown in FIG. 2 except that an insulation layer 62 is formed over insulation layer 64. Also, an opening is formed completely through insulation layer 62 and an electrode 64 is formed completely within the opening. Further, a dielectric layer 72 is formed on electrode 64 as well as over a part of insulation layer 62. FIG. 18 shows a barrier layer 14 f formed over insulation layer 62 as well as over part of dielectric layer 72 but not over the sidewall of dielectric layer 72. In FIG. 19, an electrode 78 is formed over dielectric layer 76 as well as over part of insulation layer 62 and barrier layer 14 f.

A variety of deposition methods are suitable for forming a barrier layer in the various aspects of the invention. When forming a silicon nitride containing a barrier layer, plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD) with silane/ammonia or dichlorosilane/ammonia reactant pairs may be suitable. If poor step coverage is desired, the amount of the silicon source (dichlorosilane, silane, etc) can be reduced and/or the bias setting for the plasma can be increased. Increasing the bias can make the deposition more directional. Low pressure CVD (LPCVD) can also be used to form a silicon nitride containing barrier layer using silane/ammonia, dichlorosilane/ammonia, or TCS (trichlorosilane, tetrachlorosilane, or both)ammonia reactant pairs.

In forming barrier layers, it is generally desired to reduce stress in the barrier layers and to reduce the prevalence of pinholes. For silicon nitride containing barrier layers, annealing in the presence of ammonia, nitrogen, hydrogen/nitrogen, ammonia/nitrogen, etc. can assist in relieving stress and filling pinholes.

In keeping with additional aspects of the present invention, a variety of advantageous capacitor constructions can result from the above described methods. In one aspect, a capacitor construction includes an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device. A Si₃N₄ barrier layer can be over the substrate and retard movement of V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device. An opening can be at least into the insulation layer and an inner capacitor electrode can be at least within the opening. The inner capacitor electrode can comprise silicon. A capacitor dielectric layer can be at least within the opening and over the inner capacitor electrode. An outer capacitor electrode can be over the dielectric layer. In the capacitor construction, the barrier layer can be over the insulation layer. Alternatively, the barrier layer can be under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over the substrate. Further, the barrier layer can be under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over an outer surface of another insulation layer. The various capacitor constructions described above can be comprised by a semiconductor die.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A capacitor construction comprising: an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device; a Si₃N₄ barrier layer over the substrate, the barrier layer retarding movement of V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device; an opening at least into the insulation layer; an inner capacitor electrode at least within the opening and comprising silicon; a high K capacitor dielectric layer at least within the opening and over the inner capacitor electrode; and an outer capacitor electrode over the dielectric layer.
 2. The construction of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is over the insulation layer.
 3. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 2. 4. The construction of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over the substrate.
 5. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 4. 6. The construction of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over an outer surface of another insulation layer.
 7. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 1. 8. The construction of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of I_(DS) shift including materials into the electronic device.
 9. The construction of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of K_(L) shift including materials into the electronic device.
 10. A capacitor construction comprising: an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device; a Si₃N₄ barrier layer over the substrate, the barrier layer retarding movement of V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device; an opening at least into the insulation layer; an inner capacitor electrode at least within the opening and comprising silicon; a capacitor dielectric layer at least within the opening and over the inner capacitor electrode, the dielectric layer exhibiting a K factor of at least 7; and an outer capacitor electrode over the dielectric layer.
 11. The construction of claim 10 wherein the barrier layer is over the insulation layer.
 12. The construction of claim 10 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over the substrate.
 13. The construction of claim 10 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over an outer surface of another insulation layer.
 14. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 10. 15. The construction of claim 10 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of I_(DS) shift inducing materials into the electronic device.
 16. The construction of claim 10 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of K_(L) shift inducing materials into the electronic device.
 17. A capacitor construction comprising: an insulation layer over a substrate, the substrate including an electronic device; a Si₃N₄ barrier layer over the substrate, the barrier layer retarding movement of V_(t) shift inducing material into the electronic device; an opening at least into the insulation layer; an inner capacitor electrode at least within the opening and comprising silicon; a capacitor dielectric layer at least within the opening and over the inner capacitor electrode, the dielectric layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO₄, ZrO₂, ZrSiO₄, Ta₂O₅, and combinations thereof; and an outer capacitor electrode over the dielectric layer.
 18. The construction of claim 17 wherein the barrier layer is over the insulation layer.
 19. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 18. 20. The construction of claim 17 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over the substrate.
 21. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 20. 22. The construction of claim 17 wherein the barrier layer is under an inner surface of the insulation layer and over an outer surface of another insulation layer.
 23. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 22. 24. A semiconductor die comprising the capacitor construction of claim
 17. 25. The construction of claim 17 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of I_(DS) shift inducing materials into the electronic device.
 26. The construction of claim 17 wherein the barrier layer further retards movement of K_(L) shift inducing materials into the electronic device. 